Mark Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan shift bulk of philanthropy to science, focusing on AI and biology to curb disease

Published: Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 6:29 pm

Zuckerberg and Chan Shift Philanthropy Focus to AI-Driven Science

Redwood City, CA - Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan are significantly redirecting their philanthropic efforts towards scientific research, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and its application in biology. The couple, who have pledged the majority of their wealth from Meta Platforms shares to charitable causes, are now prioritizing Biohub, their science organization, as the primary recipient of their resources.

The shift marks a strategic pivot from previous philanthropic endeavors, which included funding for education, immigration reform, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The couple's new focus centers on leveraging AI to accelerate scientific discovery, particularly in the areas of disease prevention, treatment, and management. The goal is to develop virtual, AI-based cell models to understand human biology, study inflammation, and harness the immune system.

Since Biohub's launch in 2016, the organization has already invested $4 billion in basic science research, excluding operational costs. They plan to double that amount over the next decade, with an annual operating budget of approximately $1 billion. Biohub operates institutes in multiple locations, each addressing different scientific challenges.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has faced criticism for curtailing some of its other philanthropic work, including grants related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Zuckerberg stated the decision was based on identifying where they could make the biggest impact, focusing on long-term projects that develop tools for scientists.

As part of this renewed focus, Biohub has hired the AI research lab EvolutionaryScale. Alex Rives, co-founder of EvolutionaryScale, will lead Biohub's research efforts. The organization aims to create virtual cell systems, using AI to build digital representations of human physiology. These open-source systems will allow scientists to conduct virtual experiments on a scale not possible in physical laboratories.

Chan, a former pediatrician, expressed the importance of understanding cellular processes to develop new treatments. Biohub's accomplishments include building the largest single-cell data set and contributing to a human cell map. The organization continues to focus on using AI to advance biomedical research, with the ultimate goal of improving medicine for people.

BNN's Perspective: While the shift towards scientific research, particularly with the use of AI, holds immense potential for advancements in healthcare, it's important to acknowledge the impact of this change on other important social initiatives. Striking a balance between scientific innovation and addressing broader societal needs remains a critical challenge for philanthropists.

Keywords: Mark Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan, Biohub, Artificial Intelligence, AI, Science, Philanthropy, Disease, Biology, Research, Healthcare, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, EvolutionaryScale, Virtual Cell Systems, Biomedical Research

Full Story